Lower BMI Bandsters!

[aaduncan 0]

Hello All,

I am new to the website as of TODAY! Was glad to see a thread dedicated to those with lower BMI's I was just recently banded, I had my surgery on last Friday (Sept 7th). My pre-op BMI was 35, I weighed 186lbs. After the pre-op diet and at my first post-op appointment today my weight is now 180lbs.

My surgeon told me that I wouldn't get my first fill for another 5 weeks. He said he wants my weight loss to be slow and steady. My goal is to be between 120 -125lbs.

As for how I'm feeling...I am still very swollen. I had a horrible experience at the hospital and was experiencing severe back pains, I was given morphine and then had a horrible reaction to that. I just started feeling better yesterday but I have some quirky side effects that have now come up. When I eat or drink something I get this hiccup, quasi-burp sort of gasp for air sensation...its weird but I'm hoping it will go away soon. When I eat it feels like food is stuck in my chest. After looking through other forums I realized that I may be eating too fast or not chewing my food small enough.

Anyone, I am so glad that I found this website! I am really looking forward to continuing on this journey with each of you!:clap2:

[Tulip 0]

Hello All,

I am new to the website as of TODAY! Was glad to see a thread dedicated to those with lower BMI's I was just recently banded, I had my surgery on last Friday (Sept 7th). My pre-op BMI was 35, I weighed 186lbs. After the pre-op diet and at my first post-op appointment today my weight is now 180lbs.

My surgeon told me that I wouldn't get my first fill for another 5 weeks. He said he wants my weight loss to be slow and steady. My goal is to be between 120 -125lbs.

As for how I'm feeling...I am still very swollen. I had a horrible experience at the hospital and was experiencing severe back pains, I was given morphine and then had a horrible reaction to that. I just started feeling better yesterday but I have some quirky side effects that have now come up. When I eat or drink something I get this hiccup, quasi-burp sort of gasp for air sensation...its weird but I'm hoping it will go away soon. When I eat it feels like food is stuck in my chest. After looking through other forums I realized that I may be eating too fast or not chewing my food small enough.

Anyone, I am so glad that I found this website! I am really looking forward to continuing on this journey with each of you!:clap2:

Welcome to Band Land! I remember being swollen for several days, and feeling full after just a few spoonfuls of Soup broth. My doctor recommended liquids at the beginning and then soft foods after a few days. That hiccup is the signal that you are full. STOP at that point. You are still swollen and need to allow your body time to recuperate from surgery. Even after months following surgery your body will give you signal that you are full and to stop eating/drinking. For me the hiccup is the first sign.

congratulations for recognizing the signals your body is giving you.

Slow and Easy - keep this motto.

Congrats on joining the losers at this forum.

[Sooverit! 1]

I'm right here with you I have a 36 BMI and my co morbs are hi cholesterol and recently back troubles. The weight came on with the last pregnancy 10 years ago and hasn't budged no matter what I do. Live at the gym eat only healthy but alot. At my age tho 48 I can see where this is going and with menopause on the horizon more weight gain is coming. I almost feel like I did when I was pregnant lately with these hormonal changes. I feel that hunger I get when I PMS but all the time. If Cigna denies me for not having a serious heart condition (that's what they said when I called) I will have to pay $24,000 out of pocket here in NY...OUCH. I hate to go back into debt. Then I worry that the band won't work as well on a women going through perimenopause. My blood sugar is all off. Thinking of HRT but scared. Thanks for letting me post my silly thoughts that rattle through my silly mind.

[mamawxfive 0]

Did anyone have to gain a little weight to qualify. I may have to gain (maybe 10 lbs) in order to qualify. According to the info I received from my Dr., the insurance companies want to see you lose weight over the 6 months you are on the “physician-supervised” diet. I just made it only because I have high blood pressure. I know gaining weight to lose weight sounds unhealthy, but I cannot pay for this myself. I am about 80 lbs overweight and for the life of me can’t understand why insurance companies picked 100 lbs, when being overweight a lot less than 100 lbs is unhealthy.:confused: Thanks.

[Sooverit! 1]

Rencently I was so frustrated with my weight that I stopped going to the gym and ate whatever I wanted guess what happened I lost 4 lbs in a month:cry.!! For the first time in a year...it's too funny!

[Tulip 0]

Did anyone have to gain a little weight to qualify. I may have to gain (maybe 10 lbs) in order to qualify. According to the info I received from my Dr., the insurance companies want to see you lose weight over the 6 months you are on the “physician-supervised” diet. I just made it only because I have high blood pressure. I know gaining weight to lose weight sounds unhealthy, but I cannot pay for this myself. I am about 80 lbs overweight and for the life of me can’t understand why insurance companies picked 100 lbs, when being overweight a lot less than 100 lbs is unhealthy.:confused: Thanks.

I would check with your doctor before you ever attempt to gain weight. At my doctor's seminar he mentioned that he does NOT want anyone to gain 5 or so pounds just to qualify for insurance approval.

In my own case, I met all the criteria for my insurance except for one. My BMI had to be over 35 (with my co-morbidities) for at least 5 years. My BMI dipped below 35 about 4 years ago, and I was refused approval because I did not meet the 5 year history rule. I could have waited another year and would qualify then (unless my insurance policy changes). Instead I went the self-pay route and am so glad I did that. My blood tests, medications and general health have improved greatly since getting the band.

Please check with your doctor.

and welcome!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Hello All,

When I eat it feels like food is stuck in my chest. After looking through other forums I realized that I may be eating too fast or not chewing my food small enough.Anyone, I am so glad that I found this website! :clap2:

I am surprised your doctor doesn't have you on a liquid diet since you barely

had your surgery. Most doctors require at least 2 weeks on liquids only.

I had to be on liquids for 4 weeks.

What is your post op diet?

[mare5569 0]

Sooverit - I couldn't get the insurance to pay. Very frustrating, However, there are several doctors in the US that have great reputations that are under $10000. You can fly for many fills on the difference in money.

[ras141414 0]

HI HOw tall are you

[mamawxfive 0]

Raz141414 - I hope you ment me. I am 5' 5 1/2" and I weigh 228.

[ras141414 0]

Yes I meant you, sorry I was just wondering your height

ras141414

[MiniPearl#2 0]

HI all you all Im from Oklahoma around tulsa Ive been a waiting on settlement so i can go get banded. Boyee Its been a long wait over 2 years, but i have to self pay im probably going with Dr. Ortiz. I hope we get it soon. anyone from around tulsa going to mexico for band in the near future?

[MiniPearl#2 0]

Hey what is the lowest BMI they will take over mexico? Im going with Dr. Ortiz I think.

[Bikergirl 0]

Hello everyone - I have been out of the loop for a while and it is so good to see everyone doing so well and sharing their good and bad experiences so we all can learn from them - I am happy to say that I have lost a total of 54 lbs since my surgery on 3/1/07.

I had to go today and get .3 cc taken out - I was really tight and had problems with liquids going down. I'm glad to say I am doing better now.

My band has 2.4 cc's in it and I think that is going to be my "sweet spot". I can eat what I want but in very small portions. To me that is a good thing. I don't feel like I'm on a diet with the band. The band just helps me control my intake. If I want a piece of cake I eat it, but a very small piece. I have pizza with the kids - but I don't eat the crust. I Love my band. Alot of people don't even know that I have it and can't tell because I still eat, but in moderation.

Well good luck all - will post again soon.

[Mischievous1 6]

Hello everyone - I have been out of the loop for a while and it is so good to see everyone doing so well and sharing their good and bad experiences so we all can learn from them - I am happy to say that I have lost a total of 54 lbs since my surgery on 3/1/07.

I had to go today and get .3 cc taken out - I was really tight and had problems with liquids going down. I'm glad to say I am doing better now.

My band has 2.4 cc's in it and I think that is going to be my "sweet spot". I can eat what I want but in very small portions. To me that is a good thing. I don't feel like I'm on a diet with the band. The band just helps me control my intake. If I want a piece of cake I eat it, but a very small piece. I have pizza with the kids - but I don't eat the crust. I Love my band. Alot of people don't even know that I have it and can't tell because I still eat, but in moderation.

Well good luck all - will post again soon.

I wish I was there, I still can't eat much and my weight loss has stopped as a result...it's frustrating...I haven't lost a lb in 2 weeks and I eat less than my 3 year old daughter.